Last weekend, three days were devoted to a celebration for Sister Rita Marie to mark her twenty-five years as a Grey Nun of Sacred Heart.

The theme of the celebration chosen by Sister was Ricci’s expression - “My heart and soul ring out their joy to God, the living God.” On Friday evening the celebration began with a Vesper service of thanksgiving. This was followed by dinner at which Mother Jane Frances, and other sisters from the Motherhouse were present. From 7 to 10 p.m., a reception was held for the faculty of St. Pius X High School.

At noon on Saturday, Father Richard Kieran and Father James Sexstone concelebrated Mass in the chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. The sisters from St. Jude’s and Christ the King were present.

The homily given by Father Kieran used the motto of the Grey Nuns, “All For Thee O Sacred Heart.”

At the end of the Mass, Sister Helen O’Hara, G.N.S.H., did an interpretive dance of adoration and thanksgiving. After the Mass, a buffet lunch was served to all present.

The climax of the celebration came at 1 p.m. Mass on Sunday in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Rt. Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Regan, Father James Sexstone, Father George Rowe, S.M., and Father Anthony Curran concelebrated.

The sisters sang during the Mass. Mrs. Watson was at the organ and Oscar Pereira from the Atlanta Symphony played the violin. The homily, with a strong emphasis on the need for faith, was given by Father James Sexstone of St. Pius. At the offertory, a group of students, past and present who Sister Rita Marie has taught, walked with Sister and carried the gifts to the altar.

Sister Rita Marie renewed her vows in the sanctuary. At that time Monsignor Regan presented Sister with the Christ candle as a symbol of her baptismal vows.

In the vows renewal, she said: “In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, in the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the glorious and Immaculate Virgin Mary, and before the members of our parish community, I, Sister Rita Marie Raffaele, renew my perpetual vows of celibacy, service and obedience which I made and promised to observe twenty-five years ago. I consecrate myself anew for the remainder of my life to the service of the Church, and to give witness in a special way through the apostolate of education, according to the Constitution of our Congregation, the Grey Nuns of Sacred Heart.”